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Dogs and cats abound in science fiction and horror movies, especially post-apocalyptic dystopias. That trope seems grounded in reality, considering the growth in the pet ownership during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, although wider demographic shifts also fuel pet population growth.

Pumpkin is super healthy for dogs. Some dogs love it and some dogs don’t. It’s very nutritious and can help with a variety of ailments, particularly digestive upsets which is why it’s worthwhile to sneak some pumpkin into your dog’s diet.

Adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet will fulfill their requirements of essential vitamins and nutrients. It is high in fiber-rich vitamins A, E, and C, as well as potassium and iron.

Can I give my dog pumpkin every day?

Well, there are many ways to feed your dog pumpkin. We have experimented and have come up with some simple ways to introduce pumpkin into your dog’s diet. 

Note: Consult your veterinarian whenever you introduce new food or ingredient in your dog’s diet

Let’s dive into them;

1.  Pumpkin Puree Recipe For Dogs

Pumpkin puree is the best add-on to your dogs’ food. Regardless of whether your dog has a liking for any one food type (wet or dry food), adding pumpkin puree will make their meal yummier and more healthy.

How much pumpkin puree should you give your dog? 

So, based on the size of your dog, 1-2 tablespoons should be enough for your fur babies. Some dogs want to lick it right off the spoon, while others prefer to combine it into their meal.

Canned pumpkin is good as long as it is natural and contains no sweeteners. However, we suggest making pumpkin puree at home. Generally, small pumpkins are advisable to use for making puree. 

Here is the recipe for making homemade pumpkin puree for your pooch.

PUMPKIN PUREE RECIPE

Recipe By : dogtipper.com

Ingredients

• 1 ripe, medium-size pumpkin
• 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Before you begin, you must remove the pumpkin’s top. It requires more strength to cut off its crown. 

Directions

• Clean the pumpkin.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Using a knife, cut the pumpkin into quarters. 
• Make smaller pieces out of the quarters.
• Remove the seeds with a spoon. Keep the seeds for washing and roasting. 
• Put the pumpkin slices on a baking sheet that has been adjoined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 45 minutes. 
• Remove from the oven and let it cool down. 
• Now, peel off the outer skin and cut the baked pumpkin into small chunks. 
• Blend those chunks in a blender, gradually adding water to make a thick puree.
• You can keep it in the freezer for some days. 

This pumpkin puree can be used as an ingredient in many dog treats and dog cakes recipes for your pooch.

2.  Pumpkin Ice-cream For Dogs

Pumpkin dog ice cream is another way to spoil your pup with a deliciously healthy treat. It can become your go-to recipe that refreshes your pup’s mood and can be a change from their regular meal. Here are two quick pumpkin dog ice cream recipes for your canine companion.

a.  Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Ice Cream

Recipe By: fakeginger.com

Ingredients

• ½  cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (Xylitol-free)
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ cup of plain unsweetened yogurt 

Directions

• Whisk together pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and honey in a mixing bowl until smooth.
• Bend in the yogurt with a rubber spatula.
• Distribute the mixture among freezer-safe containers or ice trays.
• Freeze it for around 2 hours before serving.

b.  Frozen Pumpkin Pupsicle

This recipe is extremely easy-peasy to make and requires only 2 ingredients. 

Recipe By: www.akc.org

Ingredients

• 1 cup of plain unsweetened yogurt
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin and yogurt.
• Fill ice cream trays or molds with the mixture.
• Freeze for at least 24 hours.
• Then take it out for your pups 

Let your pup enjoy the hot summers with these chilled ice creams.

3.  Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies are a good addition to your dog treats list. Here’s how you make them.

Recipe By: www.akc.org

Ingredients

• 3 cups of whole wheat flour (extra for dusting counter)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 mashed banana

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Combine the eggs, mashed banana, and pumpkin puree. Mix in the flour until it is completely blended.
• Flour the counter and a rolling pin gently, then roll out dough to about normal thickness and cut out cookies with cookie cutters.
• Place on a baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes. Allow cooling entirely before offering it to your dog!

4.  Pumpkin Dinner Toppers

Pumpkin dinner toppers are an easy and prompt way to serve your pup with a regular dinner. 

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp of plain unsweetened yogurt
• 1 cup of low-sodium beef/chicken broth (As per your pup’s preference)
• 1 tbsp of white rice or brown rice

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, yogurt, and beef/ chicken broth.
• Now, add rice. Mix all the ingredients well if necessary add water. 
• Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2-3 hours or till mealtime. 
• Remove it from the freezer and let it cool down to room temperature or you can warm it slightly. 
• Pour a spoonful over your dogs‘ routine dinner to spice it up a little bit! 

5.  Pumpkin Latte

Pumpkin Latte sounds unusual, right! Well, we have prepared this delicious and creamy pumpkin latte recipe as a tasty treat for your pup. 

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tbsp of plain unsweetened yogurt
• Cinnamon powder for topping

Directions

• Mix pumpkin puree, warm water, and yogurt in a bowl.
• Serve with dusting cinnamon powder on the top.
• Now, the pumpkin latte is ready for your pooch. 

6.  Pumpkin Dog Cakes

Photo by: Better With Butter

Pumpkin dog cakes are simple and easy to make. We have already mentioned the list of best pumpkin dog cakes recipes. You can check out this recipe blog, it will help you to make mouth-watering pumpkin cakes for your doggie birthday. 

We have shared 6 different ways to serve your pup with this nutrition-rich ingredient. However, you can even check out our bakery’s pumpkin products such as pumpkin dog chews and pumpkin biscotti. 

Let me know in the comment section below how your pooch’s liked these treats. And you can place an order to The Dog Bakery for your pet’s birthday cake!

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